Back to School Fashion: 6 Fall 2012 Trends to Rock on Campus

It's that time of year again, CF readers -- fall is just around the corner! Soon enough, classes will be back in session, and if you want to pick up some trendy back-to-school duds, you've come to the right place. Over the next few weeks, we'll be putting together our annual fall shopping guide, so be sure to check back to get the scoop on the trendiest colors, clothes, shoes and accessories for Fall 2012.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

First up, we've compiled a list of the hottest trends for autumn, with inspiration coming straight from the runway. Simply scroll on down to check out six major fall trends as well as some college-friendly pieces that you can rock on campus:

1. (Faux) Leather

While good leather jackets, boots and handbags will always be classic wardrobe staples, this season's leather offerings have been amped up style-wise. Be on the lookout for leather (or faux, depending on your preference) pieces that incorporate unexpected shapes, colors and textures, like the items below.

2. Military-Inspired

The military-inspired trend seems to make its rounds every few years and it's back again in a big way for Fall 2012. Items like army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace-up boots are easy ways to wear this trend and, of course, you can never go wrong by incorporating some olive green into your look.

3. Peplum

Spring's hottest silhouette is still holding strong for fall, so if you haven't tried the peplum trend yet, get on it! For fall, stores have begun to roll out cozy peplum jackets, coats and items in darker, fall-appropriate colors. Any one of the pieces below would be a stylish and practical choice for fall.

4. Geometric Prints

Many designers played with loud, colorful and almost dizzying geometric prints in their fall collections, making these bold patterns another hot fall trend. If you're a little pattern-shy, either start small with accessorizes or try wearing a geometric print that only incorporates two colors. Also, remember that wearing geometric prints with neutrals is always a safe bet, but for a more daring look, try mixing and matching several prints together.

5. Luxe Details

The Fall 2012 runways were also filled with luxe, lavish and somewhat over-the-top looks -- think ornate jewelry, brocade prints, intricate beading and pieces made out of rich fabrics such as silk or velvet. Make this trend campus-appropriate by pairing a brocade print top with jeans for class or by accessorizing with an intricately beaded clutch for a fun night out.

6. Classic Menswear

Menswear-inspired looks were huge last year and they're coming back for round two this autumn. For their Fall 2012 collections, designers looked towards classic menswear for inspiration, meaning that impeccably tailored coats, blazers and trousers will be über-trendy this season. When it comes to rocking this trend, you could go for an androgynous look à la Marlene Dietrich or pair menswear with more feminine pieces to create a balanced look.

Get the Look:

Your thoughts?

What do you think of these trends? Which one is your favorite? Any trends you don't like? Will you be rocking any of these pieces on campus for fall? Remember to leave a comment below and tell us what you think!